“Gov. Hogan’s decision to veto a bill that would have guaranteed paid sick time for hundreds of thousands of Marylanders – just days before it would have become law – is a callous move that shows he is badly out of touch with the people he was elected to serve. But the governor cannot change the fact that the bill has overwhelming public support and a veto-proof majority in the legislature. That means the pressure to make it law will continue and victory should soon be on the horizon for Maryland workers and the many advocates who have dedicated years to this effort.

Some 750,000 working people in Maryland cannot earn a single paid sick day, including half of full-time workers in the state who are paid less than $35,000 year. The Healthy Working Families Act would help change that by providing much-needed financial stability to these workers and keeping people from having to choose between their jobs and their health when they or a loved one are sick or need care. It is a reasonable, common sense measure that is similar to those that are, or will soon be, in place in seven states and more than 30 other jurisdictions, including Montgomery County.

The National Partnership for Women & Families commends our partners in the Working Matters coalition for their commitment to securing a statewide paid sick days standard, as well as Dels. Luke Clippinger and Dereck E. Davis and Sen. Thomas ‘Mac’ Middleton for championing this bill. This is a disappointing day in the fight for paid sick days in Maryland, but it is not the end of that fight. We look forward to Maryland lawmakers continuing their leadership and support for the state’s working families by overriding the governor’s veto as soon as possible next year.”